Matt de la Peña – författare

Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt, CJ, you're a better witness for what's beautiful."CJ begins his weekly bus journey around the city with disappointment and dissatisfaction, wondering why he and his family can't drive a car like his friends. Through energy and encouragement, CJ's nana helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine.This beautifully illustrated, emotive picture book explores urban life with honesty, interest and gratitude.Last Stop on Market Street has won multiple awards and spent time at the number one spot in the New York Times Bestseller List.

The blockbuster DC Icons series that began with Leigh Bardugo's Wonder Woman, Marie Lu's Batman, and Sarah J. Maas's Catwoman continues with the story of the world's first super hero - SUPERMAN - from award-winning #1 New York Times bestselling author MATT DE LA PEÑA.Clark Kent has always been faster, stronger, better than everyone around him. He knows drawing attention to himself could be dangerous but lately it's difficult to stay in the shadows. A dark secret is lurking in Smallville and he's not the only one hiding something. With his best friend, Lana Lang, at his side, Clark is determined to discover what evil lies below the surface of their small town. But there are secrets in Clark's past that threaten to destroy the future Man of Steel. Before he can save the world, he must save Smallville.

"Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt, CJ, you're a better witness for what's beautiful."CJ begins his weekly bus journey around the city with disappointment and dissatisfaction, wondering why he and his family can't drive a car like his friends. Through energy and encouragement, CJ's nana helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine.This beautifully illustrated, emotive picture book explores urban life with honesty, interest and gratitude.Last Stop on Market Street has won multiple awards and spent time at the number one spot in the New York Times Bestseller List.

Newbery Award-winning author Matt de la Pena''s Ball Don''t Lie about basketball "is a must-read." [The Bulletin]   Sticky is a beat-around-the-head foster kid with nowhere to call home but the street, and an outer shell so tough that no one will take him in. He started out life so far behind the pack that the finish line seems nearly unreachable. He’s a white boy living and playing in a world where he doesn’t seem to belong.    But Sticky can ball. And basketball might just be his ticket out . . . if he can only realize that he doesn’t have to be the person everyone else expects him to be.    Matt de la Peña''s breakout urban masterpiece, Ball Don’t Lie takes place where the street and the court meet and where a boy can be anything if he puts his mind to it.[STAR] "[An] inspiring story. Sticky is a true original, and de la Peña has skillfully brought him to life."-School Library Journal, Starred"Riveting...Teens will be strongly affected by the unforgettable, distinctly male voice; the thrilling, unusually detailed basketball action; and the questions about race, love, self-worth, and what it means to build a life without advantages."-Booklist"Stunningly realistic, this book will hook older readers, especially urban teen males."-VOYA"The characters live and breath...This is a must-read."-The Bulletin"De la Peña does an excellent job of combining the streets with the sport. Gritty and mesmerizing."-Kirkus Reviews"I have never before seen blacktop ball depicted so well. In this novel, you will find its flash, its power, and its elegance without chains. This is powerful stuff."-Antawn Jamison, forward for the Los Angeles Clippers"From the very first sentence, this book grabbed me and didn''t let go. The deeper I got into it, the more I felt like Sticky''s story was my story. His heart, his handle, the guys in the gym, his potential pitfalls, his dreams. All of it. In a weird sense, this is my life."-Grayson Boucher ("The Professor") of tha AND 1 Mix Tape Tour"Truly authentic in its examination of both the game I love and the invariable missteps toward manhood. You cannot fail to be moved by the eloquence and truth of this story."-Rick Fox, former forward for the Los Angeles LakersAn ALA Best Book for Young AdultsAn ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

Newbery Award-winning author Matt de la Peña''s Mexican Whiteboy is a story of friendship, baseball, acceptance, and the struggle to find your identity in a world of definitions.Danny''s tall and skinny. Even though he’s not built, his arms are long enough to give his pitch a power so fierce any college scout would sign him on the spot. Ninety-five mile an hour fastball, but the boy’s not even on a team. Every time he gets up on the mound he loses it.   But at his private school, they don’t expect much else from him. Danny’ s brown. Half-Mexican brown. And growing up in San Diego that close to the border means everyone else knows exactly who he is before he even opens his mouth. Before they find out he can’t speak Spanish, and before they realize his mom has blond hair and blue eyes, they’ve got him pegged. But it works the other way too. And Danny’s convinced it’s his whiteness that sent his father back to Mexico.    That’s why he’s spending the summer with his dad’s family. Only, to find himself, he may just have to face the demons he refuses to see--the demons that are right in front of his face. And open up to a friendship he never saw coming."[A] first-rate exploration of self-identity."-School Library Journal"Unique in its gritty realism and honest portrayal of the complexities of life for inner-city teens...De la Peña poignantly conveys the message that, despite obstacles, you must believe in yourself and shape your own future."-The Horn Book Magazine"De la Peña does an excellent job...Readers see themselves in Danny, Uno, and Sofia, whether or not they share their backgrounds. In the end, they find themselves wanting the characters to succeed."-VOYA"The baseball scenes...sizzle like Danny''s fastball...Danny''s struggle to find his place will speak strongly to all teens, but especially to those of mixed race."-Booklist"De la Peña blends sports and street together in a satisfying search for personal identity."-Kirkus Reviews"Deftly explores the subject of interracial mixing."-Multicultural Review"Matt de la Pena has done the impossible; fired a perfect fastball on the low inside corner and hit a towering home run at the same time. A tough, funny, edgy, hopeful story about friendship under fire and love in its true sense."-Chris Crutcher, author of Deadline and Whale Talk"Mexican Whiteboy...shows that no matter what obstacles you face, you can still reach your dreams with a positive attitude. This is more than a book about a baseball player--this is a book about life."-Curtis Granderson, New York Mets outfielderAn ALA-YALSA Top Ten Best Book for Young AdultsA Junior Library Guild SelectionFrom the Hardcover edition.

Newbery Award-winning author Matt de la Peña''s We Were Here is a "fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking" novel [Booklist].   When it happened, Miguel was sent to Juvi. The judge gave him a year in a group home—said he had to write in a journal so some counselor could try to figure out how he thinks. The judge had no idea that he actually did Miguel a favor. Ever since it happened, his mom can’t even look at him in the face. Any home besides his would be a better place to live.    But Miguel didn’t bet on meeting Rondell or Mong or on any of what happened after they broke out. He only thought about Mexico and getting to the border to where he could start over. Forget his mom. Forget his brother. Forget himself.    Life usually doesn’ t work out how you think it will, though. And most of the time, running away is the quickest path right back to what you’re running from.   From the streets of Stockton to the beaches of Venice, all the way to the Mexican border, We Were Here follows a journey of self-discovery by a boy who is trying to forgive himself in an unforgiving world."Fast, funny, smart, and heartbreaking...The contemporary survival adventure will keep readers hooked."-Booklist"This gripping story about underprivileged teens is a rewarding read."-VOYA"A furiously paced and gripping novel."-Publishers Weekly"A story of friendship that will appeal to teens and will engage the most reluctant readers."-Kirkus ReviewsAn ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young ReadersAn ALA-YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant ReadersA Junior Library Guild SelectionFrom the Hardcover edition.

Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña’s I Will Save You is a "heartwarming, root-for-the-underdog novel." [SLJ]   Kidd is running from his past and his future. No mom, no dad, and there’s nothing for him at the group home but therapy. He doesn’t belong at the beach where he works either, unless he finds a reason to stay.   Olivia is blond hair, blue eyes, rich dad. The prettiest girl in Cardiff. She’s hiding something from Kidd—but could they ever be together anyway?   Devon is mean, mysterious, and driven by a death wish. A best friend and worst enemy. He followed Kidd all the way to the beach and he’s not leaving until he teaches him a few lessons about life. And Olivia."A taut psychological novel...[with] intriguing, well-developed characters...[that] will stay with readers."-Booklist"De la Peña skillfully captures the slippery sides of a schizophrenic personality in this heartwarming, root-for-the-underdog novel."-SLJAn Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award FinalistALA-YALSA Best Book for Young ReadersAn ALA-YALSA Quick PickA Junior Library Guild Selection

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Newbery Award-winning author Matt de la Peña''s The Living is "a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel.” [Entertainment Weekly, A-]   Shy takes the summer job to make some money. A few months on a luxury cruise liner--how bad can it be? Bikinis, free food, maybe even a girl or two . . . every cruise has a fresh crop of passengers, after all. He''ll rake in the tips and be able to help his mom and sister out with the bills.    But then, an earthquake more massive than any ever recorded hits California and Shy''s life is changed forever. The earthquake is only the beginning. Twenty-four hours and a catastrophic chain of events later, Shy is lost at sea, fighting to survive--and stuck with her.  She''s blond and she''s rich, and never in her life would she have dreamed she''d be adrift in the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by death and completely dependent on a guy like Shy.  And Shy hasn''t even faced the worst yet.  Look for the thrilling sequel, The Hunted, in bookstores now!Praise for The Living: “De la Peña has created a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel.”-Entertainment Weekly, A-   “Action is first and foremost. . . . De la Peña can uncork delicate but vivid scenes.” —The New York Times “[The Living] is special because of its extraordinary protagonist, Shy, who I haven’t been able to shake from my mind in the weeks since I read the book.”-John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars"There''s no way to classify The Living. It''s everything I love mixed into one fantastic, relentless, action-packed story. As always with Matt, the characters are the best part. So real. I loved this book."-James Dashner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Maze Runner series[STAR] "An addictive page-turner and character-driven literary novel with broad appeal for fans of both."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred[STAR] "An excellent, enthralling ride...a great read for those looking for adventure and survival stories."-VOYA, StarredA Pura Belpré Author Honor Award WinnerAn ALSC Notable Children''s Book PickFrom the Trade Paperback edition.

    Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña’s The Hunted, the sequel to The Living, is a high-energy, action-packed survival story.“De la Peña has created a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel.” —Entertainment Weekly on The Living, A-     For those left living, it’s kill or be killed. When Shy pulled himself from the wreckage of the Paradise Cruise luxury liner, he met Addie. Addie was rich and blond, and with no one else to trust, she told Shy a secret she never should have revealed.   It’s a secret that people would kill for—have killed for—and she has the piece that could turn everything on its ear. The problem? Shy has no idea where Addie is. Back home in California seems logical, but there are more ways to die back home than Shy could ever have guessed. And thanks to what Shy knows now, he’s a moving target.   Praise for The Hunted:“Readers will be drawn to the raw and gritty setting, fast-moving plot, and diverse characters worth rooting for.“—School and Library Journal"Between [the] fast-paced plot and meaningful, diverse character development, this is a great crossover for fans of both thrillers and more character-driven novels."-BooklistPraise for The Living:“De la Peña has created a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel.”-Entertainment Weekly, A-   “Action is first and foremost. . . . De la Peña can uncork delicate but vivid scenes.” —The New York Times “[The Living] is special because of its extraordinary protagonist, Shy, who I haven’t been able to shake from my mind in the weeks since I read the book.”-John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars"There''s no way to classify The Living. It''s everything I love mixed into one fantastic, relentless, action-packed story. As always with Matt, the characters are the best part. So real. I loved this book."-James Dashner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Maze Runner series[STAR] "An addictive page-turner and character-driven literary novel with broad appeal for fans of both."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred[STAR] "An excellent, enthralling ride...a great read for those looking for adventure and survival stories."-VOYA, StarredA Pura Belpré Author Honor Award WinnerAn ALSC 2014 Notable Children''s Book PickFrom the Trade Paperback edition.

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine and in the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the love and understanding between grandparent and grandchild as the world comes to life through Matt de la Pena's vibrant text and Christian Robinson's radiant illustrations.

When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true - she's finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighbourhood, past the crowded bus stop, the fenced-off repair shop, and the panadería, until they arrive at the Laundromat, where Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make.With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson have crafted a moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places.

The blockbuster DC Icons series that began with Leigh Bardugo''s Wonder Woman, Marie Lu''s Batman, and Sarah J. Maas''s Catwoman continues with the story of the world''s first super hero--SUPERMAN--from award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author MATT DE LA PEÑA.When the dawn breaks, a hero rises.His power is beyond imagining.Clark Kent has always been faster, stronger--better--than everyone around him. But he wasn''t raised to show off, and drawing attention to himself could be dangerous. Plus, it''s not like he''s earned his powers . . . yet.But power comes with a price.Lately it''s difficult to hold back and keep his heroics in the shadows. When Clark follows the sound of a girl crying, he comes across Gloria Alvarez and discovers a dark secret lurking in Smallville. Turns out, Clark''s not the only one hiding something. Teaming up with his best friend, Lana Lang, he throws himself into the pursuit of the truth. What evil lies below the surface of his small town? And what will it cost Clark to learn about his past as he steps into the light to become the future Man of Steel? Because before he can save the world, he must save Smallville.Act fast! The first printing includes a poster of Clark Kent! Each first printing in the DC Icons series has a limited-edition poster--collect them all to create the full image!Don''t miss the rest of the DC Icons series! Read the books in any order you choose:  *  Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo  *  Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu  *  Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

In a collection of personal stories and essays, award-winning and bestselling artists from Matt de la Peña and Veera Hiranandani to Max Brallier and R.L. Stine write about how hope always wins, even in the darkest of times.

Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold anthology—written by the best children’s authors—celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.   In a partnership with We Need Diverse Books, industry giants Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, and Jacqueline Woodson join newcomer Kelly J. Baptist in a story collection that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. This impressive group of authors has earned among them every major award in children’s publishing and popularity as New York Times bestsellers.   From these distinguished authors come ten distinct and vibrant stories."There''s plenty of magic in this collection to go around." -Booklist, Starred"A natural for middle school classrooms and libraries, this strong collection should find eager readers" -Kirkus, Starred"Inclusive, authentic, and eminently readable, this collection of short stories is an excellent addition for libraries and classrooms.”-School Library Journal, Starred"Thought provoking and wide-ranging, this first anthology from WNDB should not be missed." -Publishers Weekly, Starred 

Shortlisted for the Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal 2022.Milo Imagines the World is a warm and richly satisfying story from the award-winning and New York Times bestselling picture book duo, about a little boy with a big imagination who learns that you can't know anyone just by looking at them. Set in a bustling city, and full of a family love that binds even in difficult circumstances.Milo is on a train journey through the city with his older sister, looking at the faces of the other passengers and drawing pictures of their lives. Milo wonders if perhaps the little boy in bright white trainers is living in a castle with a moat and a butler. But when the little boy gets off at the same stop and joins the same queue as him, Milo realises that you can't judge by appearances and that we are all more alike than we are different: both boys are visiting their mothers in prison.Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson once again deliver a hugely powerful and enjoyable picture book, full of rich details both to look at and to talk about. Anyone who has ever travelled on public transport will relate to Milo's journey.